A-State Bowling Claims Mid-Winter Invitational Championship

JONESBORO, Ark. (A-State) - The Arkansas State women's bowling team claimed its first ever Mid-Winter Invitational championship Sunday at the Jonesboro Bowling Center by sweeping Sam Houston State 4-0.

The No. 2 seed Red Wolves jumped on the No. 4 seed Sam Houston State early by winning the first game 202-128 and the second game 205-188 for a 2-0 lead. The Bearkats put up a solid fight in game three, but A-State was even better as the Red Wolves secured a 228-214 victory. In game four, Arkansas State registered its fourth straight 200+ game and clinched a 4-0 sweep of Sam Houston State with a 204-171 win.

"I'm very pleased with our effort this weekend," A-State bowling coach Justin Kostick said. "The lanes we played Sam Houston State on were hooking more and that plays right into our wheelhouse so we did what were supposed to do."

Arkansas State faced No. 1 seed Nebraska in its first match of the day and got off to a quick 3-0 advantage by winning 221-144, 182-159, and 188-170. The Cornhuskers bounced back to take game four 225-172 and won a very close game five 175-173 to close the A-State lead to 3-2. The Red Wolves responded and were able to clinch a berth in the championship match by winning 208-157 in game six.

"We were fortunate to get off to a fast start in the match against Nebraska," Kostick added. "The lanes were tougher in this match and it showed, but we fought through it and got the win. We got two wins over quality opponents today and being able to win the tournament in Jonesboro is something special."

A-State closed out the weekend with a 10-2 record to improve to 41-13 and also claimed its third championship in four tournaments this season. The No. 1 ranked Red Wolves return to action Jan. 31-Feb. 2 in Arlington, Texas at the Prairie View A&M Invitational.